“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney, who credited his mastermind group for much of his success
As someone who spent 25+ years climbing the corporate ladder—often feeling like I was figuring it out alone—I wish I’d discovered the transformative power of mastermind groups much earlier in my career.
Today, I want to share why these collaborative learning communities aren’t just helpful for leaders—they’re essential.
What Exactly Is a Mastermind Group?
A mastermind group brings together like-minded professionals who meet regularly to support each other’s growth through structured problem-solving, accountability, and shared wisdom. Think of it as your personal board of advisors, but better—because everyone gives and receives equal value.
Napoleon Hill first introduced this concept in “Think and Grow Rich,” defining it as “coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose.”
Hill discovered the mastermind principle through his 20-year study of over 500 successful individuals, including Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison. What he found was remarkable: these leaders didn’t succeed in isolation. They surrounded themselves with trusted advisors who challenged their thinking, shared resources, and held them accountable to their vision.
Hill observed that when minds come together in harmony, they create what he called a “third mind”—a collective intelligence greater than the sum of its parts. This isn’t just philosophical theory; modern neuroscience confirms that group problem-solving activates different neural networks than individual thinking, leading to more creative and comprehensive solutions.
The Science Behind Why They Work
Research from positive psychology gives us clear evidence for mastermind effectiveness:
Social Connection Drives Growth: Barbara Fredrickson’s research on positive emotions shows that meaningful social connections literally rewire our brains for resilience and creativity. When leaders share challenges and victories with trusted peers, they build the psychological resources needed for sustained success.
Growth Mindset in Action: Carol Dweck’s work reveals that learning accelerates when we’re exposed to different perspectives and approaches. Mastermind groups create the perfect environment for developing a growth mindset—you see how others tackle similar challenges and expand your own toolkit.
The Power of Accountability: Research shows we’re 65% more likely to achieve our goals when we share them with others, and 95% more likely when we have regular accountability check-ins. Mastermind groups provide this built-in accountability structure.
How Mastermind Groups Develop Leadership Skills
Through my work with emerging leaders, I’ve witnessed four key areas where mastermind participation creates breakthrough results:
1. Authentic Vulnerability Builds Strength: Brené Brown’s research on vulnerability as courage becomes real in mastermind settings. When leaders share their struggles without judgment, they develop the emotional intelligence essential for authentic leadership.
2. Perspective-Taking Enhances Decision-Making: Being exposed to different leadership styles and approaches helps participants develop what Martin Seligman calls “explanatory style”—the ability to see challenges from multiple angles and respond more effectively.
3. Collective Wisdom Accelerates Learning: James Clear’s work on habit formation shows that we adopt behaviors we observe in our peer groups. In masterminds, participants naturally absorb best practices and leadership habits from others.
4. Purpose and Flow State Development: Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s research on flow states indicates that meaningful challenges combined with peer support create optimal conditions for growth. Mastermind groups provide exactly this combination.
Why Every Leader Should Join (or Create) One
For Emerging Leaders:
- Build confidence through peer support and feedback
- Develop leadership voice in a safe environment
- Access diverse perspectives on common challenges
- Create accountability for career development goals
For Experienced Leaders:
- Combat isolation that often comes with senior roles
- Gain fresh perspectives on complex business challenges
- Develop mentoring skills by supporting others
- Stay current on leadership trends and approaches
For Organizations: Research by Angela Duckworth on grit shows that peer support groups increase persistence and performance. Organizations whose leaders participate in masterminds see improved retention, engagement, and innovation.
The LEAP Forward Approach to Masterminds
In my LEAP Forward Leadership programs, I structure mastermind groups around four key elements:
- Learn: Evidence-based leadership principles
- Explore: Individual challenges through group wisdom
- Apply: Action steps with built-in accountability
- Persist: Ongoing support for sustainable change
This approach combines Kristin Neff’s research on self-compassion with Mel Robbins’ work on activation—creating both the safety to be vulnerable and the momentum to take action.
The key is consistency and mutual commitment to growth.
Your Next Step Forward
Whether you’re navigating a career transition, stepping into a new leadership role, or looking to accelerate your current trajectory, a mastermind group can provide the support, accountability, and wisdom to help you get there faster—and with less struggle.
As I learned from becoming an HR professional and then a confident executive coach, we don’t have to figure it out alone. In fact, we shouldn’t try to.
The leaders who thrive are those who surround themselves with others committed to mutual growth and success.
Recommended Reading to Deepen Your Leadership Journey
Want to explore the research behind effective leadership and personal growth? Start with some of my favorite evidence-based resources and watch for these book summaries in my email newsletter LEAP Forward Chronicles.
Foundation Reading:
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill – The original mastermind concept
- Mindset by Carol Dweck – Essential for developing growth-oriented thinking
- Positivity by Barbara Fredrickson – Understanding how positive emotions fuel success
Leadership Development:
- Dare to Lead by Brené Brown – Vulnerability as leadership strength
- Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi – Creating optimal performance conditions
- The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins – Practical tools for taking action
Sustained Growth:
- Grit by Angela Duckworth – The power of perseverance in achievement
- The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky – Science-backed wellbeing strategies
- Atomic Habits by James Clear – Building systems for lasting change
- Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff – Leading yourself with kindness and strength
- Flourish by Martin Seligman – The framework for authentic happiness and success
These authors provide the research foundation that informs my LEAP Forward approach and can help you build your own evidence-based leadership toolkit.
Ready to experience the power of mastermind learning? My LEAP Alliance Mastermind Group combines evidence-based growth strategies with peer support and expert guidance. Applications for my next cohort will open soon.
Connect with me to learn more about bringing mastermind learning to your organization or joining our next group.